NORTH Melbourne is ready to go head-to-head with Geelong on Friday night despite being smashed by the Cats the last time the two sides met and with question marks over their star forwards.

Geelong belted the Kangaroos by 106 points in last year's qualifying final before going on to win the flag.

But Kangaroos utility Drew Petrie said going ultra-defensive against the slick Cats would not increase their chances of victory.

"We'll try and squeeze their midfielders but they're going to kick goals, they're going to get possessions, they're going to win the footy and play some good footy because they're a great side," Petrie said.

"We've just got to combat that as best we can and also attack ourselves - we can't be frightened in taking risks and attacking.

"If you try to defend all game against Geelong you won't win."

With a cloud hanging over Nathan Thompson's fitness and Corey Jones desperately out of form, Petrie said he expected to again be called upon to help solve the Roos forward line problems.

After starting the season in the backline, Petrie has been used in attack in the past two weeks and has booted six goals.

"I'm guessing I'll be pushing forward and in the ruck as well depending on (what happens with) Thommo," Petrie said.

"I've played the first six games in the backline so to push into the forward line you get a bit more glory kicking goals."